BY ATTY. JULIUS GREGORY B. DELGADO
STILL ON THE DEATH OF BATERBONIA AND ADILI: THE LACK OF EMPATHY AND THIRST FOR ACCOUNTABILITY FROM THE CONCERNED
The problem with how the Baterbonia and Adili Death crisis was handled is that the Ateneo de Manila University and its crisis committee, if there is one, listened first to their lawyers and kept mum for a considerable period instead of being the first ones to visit and inform the grieving families of the incident. If you watch war movies which depict reality, Commanding Officers are the first ones to bring the sad news to the families that their loved ones were KIA giving them the flag, comfort them with a warm embrace, or even receiving the outburst and brunt from the wailing mothers and wives. The President and the Management Committee should have done the same. Simply, the concerned became legalese than being simply humans. Hence, it is hard to believe the damage control line that, “We were there since Day 1.”
It is funny how elites demand accountability for the Extra-Judicial Killings (EJK) and scoff at Bato saying, “Shit happens” when now, it is as if what happened to Bobet and Divine is not a big deal and is just an accident. Again, to borrow the infamous quote of the now fugitive Bato, “Shit happens.” If this double standard and selective justice becomes the tone of this incident, then you might again see the likes of Dutertes and Bato in the reins of power soon.
I stated in my column last week that the application of the Anti-Hazing Law of 2018 is far stretch, but the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) applied the same theory as predicted. Why Aurora when the waves are treacherous? If those who defend the Coaching Staff said it is just knee-deep exercises, why not do it in an indoor pool? Former Ateneo Blue Eagles testify this exercise as “deadly.” Hence, it might be to create a near-death experience to test once physical and psychological mettle if you are prepared to die for your teammate, for BEBOB, for glory, for a UAAP Championship. Rene’s mother said that had she known that there is such a rite of passage for every Ateneo Blue Eagle aspirant, she would have not allowed her son to join even if Bobet does not make the cut and them not fulfilling their dreams for a better life.
This issue is not just about application of legal doctrine but simply the microcosm of the inequality of society and the how justice is bleak as mud for people in the margins like the Baterbonias. All eyes are now on the Department of Justice (DOJ) who will do case build-up and preliminary investigation to determine if there is probable cause with certainty of conviction against former Coach Tab Baldwin, et al. But if the DOJ will see the same as merely Reckless Imprudence resulting to Homicide, a mere slap on the wrist since the accused may enter the plea of guilty, pay the fine, and/or do probation, expect that this issue will not be laid to rest just like what Rene’s mother wailed during her son’s funeral, “Don’t let them sleep soundly until justice is obtained.”
Worst, a Leviathan imagined by Thomas Hobbes, in the likes of Sara Duterte, may emerge in the 2028 Elections and will make it a battle cry to deliver justice to the masses. The elites, moralists and double standard dealers are forewarned. Don’t make the same mistake. Demand accountability just like you are demanding accountability from Rody Duterte and Bato dela Rosa for the EJKs and those involved in the flood control mess not when it is just convenient in favor of your political biases or your favorite basketball team.